A Review on Theoretical and Numerical Research of Axial Compressor Surge

Surge is an unstable operating condition of the aero-engine that can move the engine into a destabilized state and cause devastating damage. One of the most popular topics in the academic and industrial communities is to figure out the mechanism of the surge and withdraw from the surge safely. Based on rig test results and practical data from engine operation, various theories of surge mechanisms have been proposed by researchers, and some classical analytical models have been developed for modelling and prediction. In recent years, with the rapid development of numerical simulation and the improvement of computational capability, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been widely applied to the investigation of axial compressor surge events. In this review, the principles and general characteristics of the surge phenomenon are first introduced. Subsequently, the main theoretical models and CFD simulations are presented, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. In conclusion, we have proposed potential improvements and future technical routes for the surge phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to provide a valuable reference for surge studies on axial compressors.